Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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After the increasing legalization of cannabis, there has been a rising trend in cannabis consumption, especially among heavy users. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a syndrome of cyclic vomiting related to chronic cannabis use. The difficulty of diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome has led to a disproportionately high use of health care resources. ⋯ Capsaicin should also be considered, given its positive efficacy and low adverse-effect profile. Providers must be aware of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, its diagnosis, and treatment, given the increasing prevalence. Further research is required to elicit the exact mechanism and additional therapies for this syndrome.
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Isolation and loneliness have become buzz words when discussing older adults during the coronavirus disease pandemic; yet, these are age-old problems. Both have been studied extensively, yet there currently is no rapid or succinct tool that can be used in the emergency department to screen for either, or a consensus of evidence-based ways to correct these issues. This is of concern because both loneliness and social isolation have been linked to poor health. ⋯ Suggestions for questions that emergency nurses can ask to identify an older adult who is lonely or suffers from social isolation, as well as steps to consider when encountering the older adult with complaints of loneliness and/or social isolation, are provided, with the realization that these are only the first steps of many that would need to be taken. The purpose of this article is to bring forward updated information that discusses loneliness and social isolation in older adults, a timely priority during the coronavirus disease pandemic and often listed as a factor in older adult deaths. A review of relevant screening tools for use in the emergency department are provided.